1998 Annual Report for FS98-079
Demonstration of a Low-Input Diversified Small Farm Operation
Summary
Many small and limited-resource farmers are interested in learning of successful practitioners of sustainable agriculture. Through utilization of the whole farm concept these farmers will help to prevent damage to the soil, reduce waste material and help the farmer to increase his/her profit.
In this project, the producer will organize a team of agricultural support agencies to develop a whole farm management plan (holistic management plan). They will develop a plan to examine major biological systems involved in agriculture production and farm living. Emphasis will be placed on: green manure, soil, crop rotation, interseeding, composting, minimum and no-till, manure, controlled grazing and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
A team of extension economists will develop a profile of the producer’s farm. The profile will include the following:
1. Enterprise mix;
2. Family goals and values;
3. Income sources other than farm;
4. Farm cultural practices employed;
5. Enterprise budgets and accounting;
6. Resource Inventory;
7. Short and long-term plans.
The producer will also collaborate with South Carolina State University Extension to develop an educational program for youth and adults that will be centered around farm tours during stages of crop growth and pre-harvest. Educational programs will focus on sustainability. Record keeping will be a major component of the educational program with emphasis placed on both hand written and computerized records.